American Ju-Jitsu - Traditional, Evolution, and Real-World Effectiveness

American Ju-Jitsu, founded by Grand Master Steven A. Crawford in 1995, is a comprehensive martial arts system designed for real-world self-defense while also preparing practitioners for modern combat sports. Built from decades of experience across multiple disciplines—including Shorinji Ryu JuJutsu, Judo, Catch Wrestling, Pankration, Kenpo Karate, Boxing, and Kickboxing—the system emphasizes adaptability, efficiency, and effectiveness in all ranges of combat.

At its core, American Ju-Jitsu is a complete fighting system, training practitioners to operate seamlessly in every phase of a fight:

Striking Range – punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and defensive striking
Clinch Range – control, off-balancing, dirty boxing, knees, and takedown setups
Takedowns & Throws – Judo-based throws, trips, reaps, and wrestling takedowns
Ground Fighting – positional control, submissions, escapes, and reversals
Joint Locks & Control Techniques – standing and ground-based locks for control and submission

This multi-range approach ensures that students are never limited to one style, but instead develop the ability to transition fluidly between striking, grappling, and control depending on the situation.

Originally developed as a practical self-defense system, American Ju-Jitsu focuses heavily on real-world scenarios. Students train to respond effectively to common threats such as:

Grabs and holds (wrist grabs, bear hugs, chokes)
Punching and striking attacks
Takedown attempts and ground situations
Multiple attack angles and environmental awareness

Training emphasizes situational awareness, control, and decisive action, giving practitioners the tools to protect themselves and others with confidence.

In 2001, as the landscape of martial arts continued to evolve, American Ju-Jitsu expanded into the competitive arena, with practitioners actively competing in submission grappling and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). This marked a major step in proving the system’s effectiveness against fully resisting opponents in live competition.

As a result, American Ju-Jitsu has demonstrated success across multiple competitive formats, including:

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Submission Grappling / No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu
Striking competitions and kickboxing formats
Pankration and hybrid combat sports

This dual focus—self-defense and competition—makes American Ju-Jitsu unique. Students gain not only the ability to defend themselves in real-world situations but also the skills to test themselves in live competition against resisting opponents.

Beyond techniques, the system also promotes discipline, respect, mental toughness, and personal growth, staying true to traditional martial arts values while evolving with modern combat demands.

Steven Crawford - Founder of American Ju-Jitsu

Steven A. Crawford, Sr. is a highly respected martial artist, coach, and founder of American Ju-Jitsu, a modern combat system established in 1995 in Kansas City, Kansas. With over four decades of experience, Crawford has built a powerful legacy rooted in traditional martial arts, real-world self-defense, and proven success in competitive combat sports.

Beginning his training in the 1970s with Judo and Aikido, Crawford developed a strong foundation in balance, timing, and control. He later trained extensively under Kenneth Penland in Shorinji Ryu JuJitsu, where he rose through the ranks and played a key role in expanding the system throughout the Midwest. Over time, he broadened his knowledge across multiple disciplines, blending traditional systems with modern fighting applications.

Crawford holds advanced black belt ranks including 9th Dan in American Ju-Jitsu, 8th Dan in USA Pankration, 8th Dan in Shorinji Ryu JuJitsu, 6th Dan in Kyu Shin Ryu Aikijujitsu, 5th Dan in Chinese Kenpo, and a 2nd Dan in To-Shin Do under Stephen K. Hayes. He also holds a 1st Dan in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Leonardo Pecanah, further strengthening his foundation in modern grappling arts.

As the founder of American Ju-Jitsu, Crawford grew his organization from a small group of students into a multi-state system with affiliated schools across the United States. His method emphasizes practical self-defense, striking, grappling, and adaptability—designed to prepare students for both real-world encounters and competitive environments.

His coaching career has produced outstanding results at the highest levels. Crawford has trained and coached numerous champions, including national and international Pankration medalists, UFC competitors, and elite grapplers. His students have earned 50+ gold medals in the USA Pankration Federation, and his fighters have competed successfully in organizations across the country and internationally.

Beyond coaching, Crawford has played a major leadership role in the growth of combat sports. He has served as Vice President of the International Sport Combat Federation (ISCF), was appointed ISCF Missouri President, and worked as Chief Inspector of MMA for the Kansas Boxing Commission. His contributions include organizing events, training officials, developing fighters, and helping expand the sport on both regional and international levels.

A Hall of Fame inductee in both Pankration and the United States Martial Arts Association, Crawford is widely recognized for his dedication to martial arts, athlete development, and the advancement of combat sports. His lifelong commitment reflects a balance of tradition, innovation, and real-world effectiveness.

Proven Legacy - Notable Students of American Ju-Jitsu

Under the leadership of Steven A. Crawford, Sr., American Ju-Jitsu has produced elite martial artists who have gone on to succeed in professional MMA, Bare Knuckle fighting, and as respected instructors and gym owners. His system continues to develop fighters, leaders, and champions across multiple combat disciplines.

Zeb Vincent – Professional MMA Fighter & Bare Knuckle Boxer
Zeb “CWB” Vincent is a professional mixed martial artist and Bare Knuckle Boxing competitor known for his toughness, composure, and sharp striking ability. Training under Steven Crawford’s American Ju-Jitsu system, Vincent developed a well-rounded foundation in striking, grappling, and real-world combat application. He built a strong amateur career, compiling a 6–3 record and earning two amateur championship titles before making the transition to the professional level.
As a professional, Vincent has competed in respected promotions such as BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) and LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance), showcasing his ability to perform across both MMA and bare-knuckle formats. He has earned multiple TKO/KO victories, demonstrating finishing power and a calculated, technical approach to striking.
Known for his pressure, counter-striking, and ability to stay composed under fire, Vincent continues to evolve as a fighter while representing the next generation of athletes developed through American Ju-Jitsu. His willingness to compete in multiple combat sports highlights his versatility, toughness, and commitment to testing his skills at a high level.

Rudy Bears – Retired Professional MMA Fighter, Bellator Veteran, Instructor & Gym Owner
Rudy Bears, known as “Bad News,” is a former professional mixed martial artist and Bellator veteran who competed at a high level in the welterweight division. Training under Steven Crawford’s American Ju-Jitsu system, Bears developed a well-rounded skill set built on both striking and grappling.
He compiled a professional record of 16–15, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision, showcasing his versatility as a fighter.
Bears competed in major organizations including Bellator, Strikeforce, Titan Fighting Championships, and M-1 Global, facing high-level competition throughout his career. He also captured the Shamrock Fighting Championships Welterweight Title and won multiple amateur titles in the ISCF, highlighting his success at both amateur and professional levels.
Known for his resilience and finishing ability, Bears earned numerous wins by submission and knockout, demonstrating a balanced and dangerous skill set. His career includes notable bouts against top fighters, including appearances against elite competition in both Bellator and Strikeforce.
Beyond competition, Bears has transitioned into coaching and leadership as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA school owner and instructor, continuing to impact the next generation of fighters. He represents the evolution of American Ju-Jitsu from competition into coaching, mentorship, and long-term martial arts development.

Leo Pla' – Professional MMA Fighter & Bare Knuckle Boxer, Martial Arts Instructor
Leo Pla, known as “Iron Lion,” is a professional mixed martial artist and Bare Knuckle fighter with extensive experience across multiple combat sports. A 2nd Dan in American Ju-jitsu, Pla' trained under Steven Crawford’s system and developed a strong, well-rounded foundation in striking and grappling. He holds a professional MMA record of approximately 11–9 (1 NC) and has competed at the light heavyweight level against experienced competition.
In addition to MMA, Pla has competed in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he holds a 4–3 record in the cruiserweight division, further demonstrating his durability and versatility as a fighter.
Known for his toughness and finishing ability, Pla has earned victories by knockout, submission, and decision, showing a balanced skill set and the ability to adapt across different fight styles. With a career spanning both MMA and bare-knuckle competition, along with his role as an instructor and gym leader, Pla represents the continued evolution and effectiveness of American Ju-Jitsu in modern combat sports.

Herb Dean – One of the most respected referees in MMA history and former professional fighter

Herb Dean is widely regarded as one of the greatest referees in mixed martial arts history and a former professional fighter. A 2nd Dan in American Ju-Jitsu, Dean has a lifelong background in martial arts, including training in boxing, judo, and submission wrestling.
Before becoming a world-renowned referee, Dean compiled a professional MMA record of 2–3, with victories by both knockout and submission. His transition into officiating began under the guidance of Larry Landless, where he shadowed him at early MMA events and developed the foundation that would launch his refereeing career.
Dean went on to become one of the first licensed referees in Nevada and quickly rose to prominence, officiating at the highest levels of the sport, including the UFC and international promotions.
He has earned multiple World MMA Awards “Referee of the Year” honors, and is widely considered the gold standard in MMA officiating due to his ability to protect fighters while allowing competition to continue at a high level.
Known for his experience, composure, and deep understanding of combat, Dean represents both the technical and professional excellence associated with American Ju-Jitsu and its extended lineage.

Larry Landless – Martial artist and competitor
Larry “The Landlord” Landless is an undefeated professional mixed martial artist and veteran referee who has played a significant role in the development of modern MMA. Training under Steven Crawford’s American Ju-Jitsu system, Landless compiled a perfect 3–0 professional record, competing in King of the Cage (KOTC) with victories by submission, TKO, and decision, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set in both striking and grappling.
Beyond his fighting career, Landless became a pioneering figure in MMA officiating, beginning in the mid-1990s during the early, unsanctioned era of the sport. Over the years, he has officiated over 1,000 fights worldwide, contributing to the growth and professionalism of mixed martial arts at both regional and major event levels.
Landless also played a key role in mentoring future officials, including Herb Dean, helping guide him early in his refereeing career. Known for his experience, professionalism, and deep understanding of combat sports, Landless represents both the foundation and evolution of MMA, as well as the effectiveness of American Ju-Jitsu in producing well-rounded fighters and leaders in the sport.

Rob Kimmons – UFC veteran with multiple professional bouts at the highest level
Rob Kimmons, known as “The Rosedale Reaper,” is a UFC veteran and accomplished mixed martial artist with a professional record of over 20 wins. A 3rd Dan in American Ju-Jitsu, Kimmons trained under Steven Crawford’s system and built an impressive career that included competing in the UFC, WEC, and other major promotions. He earned a Submission of the Night bonus in the UFC and was known for his strong grappling, with the majority of his victories coming by submission.
Kimmons also captured multiple titles outside the UFC, including the IFO Welterweight Championship, and won a 16-man tournament in Shooto’s American Welterweight Grand Prix, finishing opponents with first-round knockouts and submissions.
Before turning professional, he compiled an undefeated amateur record, showcasing his early dominance in the sport.
Beyond competition, Kimmons transitioned into coaching and leadership, becoming the owner and head instructor of Perseverance MMA & Athletic Academy in the Kansas City area, where he has developed fighters and continued his martial arts career as a coach.
He has also been associated with high-level training environments, including connections to Xtreme Couture, one of the most recognized MMA gyms in the world, further reflecting his experience at the elite level of the sport.
Known for his toughness, submission skills, and ability to compete across multiple weight classes, Kimmons represents the effectiveness of American Ju-Jitsu at the highest levels of professional MMA.

Bobby Voelker – UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator veteran; former undefeated amateur (10–0) who built a long professional career competing against top-tier fighters

Bobby Voelker, known as “Vicious,” is a seasoned mixed martial artist and UFC veteran with a long-standing career competing at the highest levels of the sport. Training under Steven Crawford’s American Ju-Jitsu system, Voelker built a reputation for toughness, durability, and knockout power.

He holds a professional record of 30+ wins, with a high number of victories coming by KO/TKO, showcasing his aggressive and striking-heavy style. Voelker competed in major organizations including the UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator, facing top-level competition throughout his career.
Before turning professional, he compiled an undefeated 10–0 amateur record, demonstrating early dominance in the sport. He also gained recognition in Strikeforce, where he was part of a notable trilogy of fights, further establishing himself as a fan-favorite competitor.
Known for his resilience and finishing ability, Voelker has headlined events and continued to compete successfully beyond the UFC, solidifying his reputation as a respected veteran of the sport. He represents the toughness and effectiveness of American Ju-Jitsu at the professional level.